Top pick: #12 (WHISKEY SHINER) (8-1) - Longshot is stretching out a furlong after finishing third of 10, beaten almost 3-lengths going 7-furlongs at Keeneland at this tag April 18th. Positive effort came in his first off a Brad Cox claim and he draws a fine outside post for this one-turn mile.
2nd pick: #9 (Liberty First) (7-2) - Speedy colt is dropping in class and shortening up a bit for this assignment. Home bred by 'Pulpit' comes off a career best at Oaklawn where he finished a close up fourth going 8.5-furlongs for a $50K tag March 25th. Working well since, trainer Steve Asmussen won with two of three starters this past Saturday on Opening Day here.
3rd pick: #3 (Parks Ridge) (6-1) - He's in the barn of Chris Hartman and trainer just won the title at the very competitive meet at Oaklawn Park. This 4-year-old has fine early speed and is dropping back down in his second off a claim. Speed/stalker should be involved from start-to-finish.
4th pick: #8 (Star of Sky) (9-2) - Lightly-raced son of 'Sky Mesa' drops after a promising effort at Keeneland April 12. Racing for a $50K tag, he raced evenly while wide before checking in fourth of nine, beaten 3 1/2 lengths. A career best and this grey 3-year-old must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #11 (Arsenalofdemocracy) (12-1) - Un-raced since March 5th, he returns as a new gelding and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. Three-year-old showed early speed last out before tiring badly at the Fair Grounds. Think he'll be competitive at a big price.